Scott Audette/NBAE by job of Getty Pictures
The Toronto Raptors’ resolution to draft forward Scottie Barnes No. 4 total Thursday night may maybe per chance simply maintain the marked the extinguish of Pascal Siakam’s time with the franchise.
In preserving with NBA insider Marc Stein, some rival groups were “directly convinced” the crew will gaze to alternate Siakam this offseason. The 27-twelve months-venerable has three years final on a four-twelve months, $136.9 million deal, even though the Raps may maybe be likely promoting low after the forward’s manufacturing dipped to 21.4 aspects, 7.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game in 2020-21.
Or now not it’s unclear what build of return Toronto may maybe be buying for to impact such a deal.
The Raptors fined their franchise megastar $50,000 after he got into a shouting match with head coach Gash Nurse in March with Sportsnet’s Michael Grange reporting “[Siakam] got private, lines were crossed and teammates had to intervene”.
Siakam can maintain to gathered receive the wait on of the doubt after the pandemic compelled the Raptors to play their home games in Tampa, Florida, whereas looking out forward to the Canadian authorities to ease coronavirus restrictions at the border. It’d be comprehensible for that quantity of uncertainty to impact a player on a nightly basis.
In flip, the Raptors performed the season 27-45, which ranked fourth-to-final within the Eastern Conference.
That led the crew to maintain interaction Barnes over the likes of Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs as many had anticipated.
Jonathan Wasserman @NBADraftWass
Bleacher Reports’ Jonathan Wasserman infamous Barnes’ stock modified into rising earlier than the draft and defined what made so many groups enamored with the Florida Convey product:
“There is a belief Barnes has megastar possible, despite the truth that it’s the unconventional form. Scouts seek zero downside and easiest unfamiliar upside tied to his 6’8″, 225-pound physique, 7’2¾” wingspan, ball-handling and passing for playmaking, and surefire protection. They normally command in regards to the likability element. Barnes’ energy, ardour and unselfishness were evident throughout the season and uncomplicated to detect throughout interviews.
“He’s trending at the very best time, treasure a twelve months ago when curiosity in Patrick Williams felt contagious and step by step unfold to the Chicago Bulls at No. 4 total. Equally, Barnes is now being considered as one in every of the class’ premier prospects, having reputedly damaged free from the 2d tier that beneficial properties Connecticut’s James Bouknight, Tennessee’s Keon Johnson, Michigan’s Franz Wagner, Australia’s Josh Giddey, Texas’ Kai Jones, Gonzaga’s Corey Kispert, Arkansas’ Moses Touchy, Baylor’s Davion Mitchell and Duke’s Jalen Johnson.”
Barnes may maybe per chance simply now not faucet into his possible megastar strength directly, but with Kyle Lowry likely on the switch this offseason as an unrestricted free agent, it would impact sense for Toronto to try soar-starting a temporary rebuild by transferring Siakam.
